Assistant Water Resources Specialist I​/II or Assistant Engineer I​/II - Civil - Groundwater

Assistant Water Resources Specialist I : $ - $ Annually

Assistant Water Resources Specialist II : $ - $ Annually

Assistant Engineer I - Civil : $ - $ Annually

Assistant Engineer II - Civil : $ - $ Annually

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that helps ensure sustainable groundwater supplies? Valley Water is seeking qualified candidates to join the Groundwater Management Unit. This position supports groundwater supply and planning programs, contributing to sustainable water management, simulating current and future groundwater supply conditions, and performing hydrogeologic and engineering analyses. Related analyses include using and maintaining numerical groundwater models, mass balance, statistics, or other methods to prepare or review hydrogeologic reports and studies.

Work directly supports water supply operations, managed aquifer recharge, drought response, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance reporting, and the Water Supply Master Plan. Additional responsibilities may include environmental stewardship projects, land use reviews, and field monitoring activities.

This is a single position, for which the incumbent would be hired as either an Assistant Engineer I/II or an Assistant Water Resources Specialist I/II. There are multiple ways a candidate may develop the skills and experience required to be successful in this role. Depending on the background and experience of the selected candidate, the exact classification will be determined at the point of hire.

We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.

Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

• Conduct groundwater modeling, hydrogeologic studies, and investigations using numerical groundwater models, statistics, or other methods to support water supply operations and planning.
• Prepare and review reports regarding issues such as groundwater modeling and supply conditions, groundwater monitoring and protection, and surface water/groundwater interaction.
• Support Valley Water's continued compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
• Analyze proposed projects, land use, regulations, and policies and develop recommendations for groundwater protection.
• Collect, validate, and/or interpret hydrogeologic data related to groundwater levels, groundwater quality, surface water, seawater intrusion, and land subsidence.

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

No experience is required. Preferred academic/research focus includes:

• Academic projects or research in groundwater management and hydrogeology including issues like groundwater/surface water interaction and/or seawater intrusion.
• Use of Microsoft Excel, groundwater flow models, geographic information system (GIS), statistics, and computer programming to support academic or research projects.

Two (2) years of professional level experience with responsibility for compliance with…